FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information Contact:
Dr. Didi Saint Louis, Co-Chair GPSN, (678) 896-5217
info@gpsnetwork.org
Postpartum Depression Support Hotline Launches on Mother’s Day
Organization Offers Resources, Referrals and Guidance to Georgia Women
Suffering from Depression after Pregnancy
( Atlanta , Ga. ) -- Women in Georgia suffering from postpartum depression finally have a place to turn to for help. The Georgia Postpartum Support Network ( www.GPSNetwork.org )will celebrate Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10 th, by launching a hotline to provide live phone support for Georgia moms dealing with postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders. The hotline number is: (866) 944-GPSN (4776).
The Hotline will be staffed by trained volunteers who will work in shifts from 7 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week. The phone lines will go to voicemail from 10 pm to 7 am and those calls will be returned the next morning. It is GPSN’s goal to have the hotline running 24/7 by January, 2010.
Women calling the hotline will be assessed and linked to appropriate services in their area, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. The hotline will follow up with women who call to ensure they are finding and receiving appropriate care.“We hope this line will become a lifeline for women across the state who don't know where to turn when they're looking for help,” said GPSN Co-Chair, Dr. Didi Saint Louis.
Most new mothers experience occasional sadness and anxiety, known as the "baby blues," that do not require treatment. About 10 to 15 percent of new mothers suffer postpartum depression, a more serious condition.
Postpartum moms and their spouses should be aware of the following warning signs:
- extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- sadness
- depression or hopelessness
- sleep disturbances
- poor concentration/confusion
- over or under concern for the baby
- uncontrollable crying or irritability
- lack of interest in the baby or fear of harming the baby or self
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please call your doctor, health care provider or the Georgia Postpartum Support Network Hotline at(866) 944-GPSN (4776)to receive help.
Georgia Postpartum Support Network was created by women’s health advocates from the obstetrical, midwifery and mental health community to address the unmet needs of women in Georgia who are dealing with postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum psychosis. More information can be found at www.GPSNetwork.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information Contact:
Dr. Didi Saint Louis, Co-Chair GPSN, (678) 896-5217
info@gpsnetwork.org
Postpartum Depression Support Hotline Launches on Mother’s Day
Organization Offers Resources, Referrals and Guidance to Georgia Women
Suffering from Depression after Pregnancy
( Atlanta , Ga. ) -- Women in Georgia suffering from postpartum depression finally have a place to turn to for help. The Georgia Postpartum Support Network ( www.GPSNetwork.org )will celebrate Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10 th, by launching a hotline to provide live phone support for Georgia moms dealing with postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders. The hotline number is: (866) 944-GPSN (4776).
The Hotline will be staffed by trained volunteers who will work in shifts from 7 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week. The phone lines will go to voicemail from 10 pm to 7 am and those calls will be returned the next morning. It is GPSN’s goal to have the hotline running 24/7 by January, 2010.
Women calling the hotline will be assessed and linked to appropriate services in their area, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. The hotline will follow up with women who call to ensure they are finding and receiving appropriate care.“We hope this line will become a lifeline for women across the state who don't know where to turn when they're looking for help,” said GPSN Co-Chair, Dr. Didi Saint Louis.
Most new mothers experience occasional sadness and anxiety, known as the "baby blues," that do not require treatment. About 10 to 15 percent of new mothers suffer postpartum depression, a more serious condition.
Postpartum moms and their spouses should be aware of the following warning signs:
- extreme fatigue or exhaustion
- sadness
- depression or hopelessness
- sleep disturbances
- poor concentration/confusion
- over or under concern for the baby
- uncontrollable crying or irritability
- lack of interest in the baby or fear of harming the baby or self
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please call your doctor, health care provider or the Georgia Postpartum Support Network Hotline at(866) 944-GPSN (4776)to receive help.Georgia Postpartum Support Network was created by women’s health advocates from the obstetrical, midwifery and mental health community to address the unmet needs of women in Georgia who are dealing with postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum psychosis. More information can be found at www.GPSNetwork.org.